Deepwater Jockey Club Secretary Tricia Stack, left, Lindy Stevenson, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, the late Alex Robertson-Cuninghame and Don Macansh, patrons and past presidents and committee members, at the track late last year.
Wednesday, 4 October 2017
IT may have seemed like long odds – but the plucky Deepwater Jockey Club romped home with a hard-earned win at this year’s NSW Country Racing Awards, claiming the Community Race Club of the Year title against some stiff competition.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall today congratulated the committee and community supporting the Deepwater Jockey Club, describing its bumper victory as a trifecta for local races.
“Racing in Deepwater has gone from strength to strength – with the passion and dedication of the local community only building across its storied 151 year history,” Mr Marshall said.
“I’m thrilled Country Racing NSW have officially recognised the hard work Deepwater puts into its races each year. It couldn’t have gone to a more deserving club.
“Thanks to the neck and neck racing, bustling community atmosphere, stellar food and iconic Fashion in the Field competition I try and make the January races each year, joining throngs of pilgrims from across North-West NSW and southern Queensland.
“The January races are a must-attend for the region – each year, thousands pour into the town of 300 which highlights the level of respect racers, punters and socialites hold for Deepwater’s country hospitality.
“Thanks to this well-deserved win, the Deepwater Races will be the premiere destination for racing fans across the state who are looking to see country racing at its best.”
Mr Marshall said the award would crown a big year for the club.
“The club has absolutely scored a trifecta this year: between the 150th Anniversary Celebrations, the launch of a book commemorating the club’s colourful history and last weekend’s victory – there’s a lot to celebrate in Deepwater,” he said.
“Now they’re officially the state’s best country racing community – I imagine the momentum will only continue until next year’s races on January 20.”
Deepwater Jockey Club Secretary Tricia Stack said the stakes were high at the awards ceremony.
“It was so exciting – the competition was huge and very successful,” Ms Stack said.
“There were 380 people at the Four Seasons ballroom – and probably 340 had never even heard of Deepwater. At the end, everyone did – and there were some in the room who said they’re coming to next year’s race.
Ms Stack attributed the win to the Deepwater Jockey Club’s unique character.
“I think we’re quintessentially country – I was able to send a list of sponsors and committee members who have supported us for 25 years, which shows the longevity and steadiness of the club,” she said.
Deepwater Jockey Club is dedicating the victory to long-term committee member Alex Robertson-Cuninghame, who passed away peacefully yesterday. A member of the club since 1953, Mr Robertson-Cuninghame served as president for 17 years.